Shakur Stevenson is one of a few world-class operators that have sparred Jake Paul, and can therefore comment on the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s ability in the ring.
The WBC lightweight champion, who has claimed world honours in three weight divisions, will move up to 140lbs and face WBO belt-holder Teofimo Lopez on January 31.
But before entering his training camp for the Lopez clash, which takes place at Madison Square Garden, New York, Stevenson was invited to share a few rounds with Paul in Puerto Rico.
This was back when Paul had been preparing for his exhibition match with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, who was later ruled out of the event due to allegations of domestic violence.
But while training for Davis, a 5ft 5ins southpaw, Paul had called upon the services of Stevenson, as well as former world champions Keyshawn Davis and Raymond Ford, in a bid to replicate the 31-year-old’s style in sparring.
Since their exhibition, scheduled for November 14, was cancelled, though, Paul has instead shared rounds with heavyweight contenders Lawrence Okolie, Jared Anderson and Frank Sanchez.
This, of course, is in preparation for his professional eight-round contest with Anthony Joshua, which takes place this Friday at the Kaseya Center, Miami.
Sure enough, his training for a 6ft 6ins heavyweight, and two-time world champion, must look vastly different to what he was experiencing just a few months ago.
But still, after sharing between six and seven rounds with Paul, Stevenson has told Ariel Helwani that fans could be surprised by just how skilful the 28-year-old really is, saying he was ‘better than people would even understand.’
“We sparred, we did 6 or 7 rounds. It’s crazy, because I think Jake is better than people would even understand. A lot of people don’t think he’s as good because he started [boxing] so late.
You don’t know how good he really could be if he started earlier, but you can tell he’s taking the craft [seriously].
He’s locking in, and doing training camps, and [has] got the right team around him. I was impressed, for sure. I was surprised. You could tell he had a good coach in his corner, who’s telling him the right things. He’s listening to the right things.”
